New Kansas City Crossroads bar and deli: Beer, ‘unpretentious’ cocktails, muffuletta
King G promises a “modern take on a classic neighborhood bar and deli” when it opens this summer.
The East Crossroads operation will have a bar serving craft beers, natural wines, “unpretentious” cocktails and “bar bites” and will share a kitchen with a delicatessen.
Chef Howard Hanna is putting together a menu using local meats, produce and breads from Blackhole Bakery. It will include muffuletta sandwiches, a Japanese-style egg salad sandwich, an eggplant and artichoke sandwich with Lebanese garlic sauce, deviled egg potato salad, and burrata cheese with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and basil.
The King G name is a nod to King Gambrinus, whom they describe as a “folklore icon of beer, brewing and joy.”
The corner location, at 500 E. 18th St., will have a horseshoe-shaped bar and two glass garage doors that will open in nicer weather. A basement bar with a balcony will hold 25 to 35 people.
King G’s founder, Eric Flanagan, has been involved in such area operations as Offkey Karaoke Lounge & Suites, Westport Ale House, 99 Hops House in the Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa, and the former Bridger’s Bottle Shop.
Hanna had previously owned The Rieger (which closed in late 2020 because of the pandemic) and is also doing two new concepts in City Club Apartments in the Crossroads. He also owns Ca Va in Westport.
In a statement, Flanagan said: “There’s only so much socialization that can occur behind a screen and we think people are yearning to feel a sense of community again. … Our team is eager to join such a vibrant and creative group of artists, entrepreneurs and residents in the East Crossroads.”
Neither Flanagan nor Hanna could be reached for further comment Tuesday morning.
Flanagan plans a late July opening.
King G will be open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The bar will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings.
Flanagan also has launched a Mainvest campaign where the Kansas City community can invest in King G.